Wirelessly programmable transducer-based remote control with inertial sensor

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are disclosed for remotely controlling a main processing console of an ultrasound system. In various embodiments, an ultrasound remote controller can be used to remotely control a main processing console of an ultrasound system. The ultrasound remote controller can include a user interface controller configured to provide one or more ultrasound control functions to a user remote from the main processing console. The control functions can be used to remotely control operation of the main console. Further, the user interface controller can be configured to receive input for the one or more ultrasound control functions from the user. The ultrasound remote controller can include a communication interface configured to transmit operational instructions to the main processing console for remotely controlling the operation of the main processing console through the ultrasound remote controller based on the user input for the one or more ultrasound control functions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/040,264, filed Jul. 19, 2018, for WIRELESSLY PROGRAMMABLETRANSDUCER-BASED REMOTE CONTROL WITH INERTIAL SENSOR, which isincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to remotely controlling an ultrasound system.Specifically, this disclosure relates to remotely controlling a mainprocessing console of an ultrasound system using an ultrasound remotecontroller based on input received at the ultrasound remote controllerfrom a user of the ultrasound system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ultrasound imaging is a widely used for examining a wide range ofmaterials and objects across a wide array of different applications.Ultrasound imaging provides a fast and easy tool for analyzing materialsand objects in a non-invasive manner. As a result, ultrasound imaging isespecially common in the practice of medicine as an ailment diagnosis,treatment, and prevention tool. Specifically, because of its relativelynon-invasive nature, low cost and fast response time ultrasound imagingis widely used throughout the medical industry to diagnose and preventailments. Further, as ultrasound imaging is based on non-ionizingradiation it does not carry the same risks as other diagnosis imagingtools, such as X-ray imaging or other types of imaging systems that useionizing radiation.

Ultrasound imaging is accomplished by generating and directingultrasonic sound waves into a material of interest, first in a transmitphase and subsequently in a receive phase. During the transmit phase, anultrasonic signal is transmitted into a material of interest by applyingcontinuous or pulsed electronic signals. During the receive phase,reflections generated by boundaries between dissimilar materials arereceived by receiving devices, such as transducers, and converted toelectrical signals. Signals can then be processed to determine thelocations of the echo sources. The resulting data can be used to displayimages of inside a material of interest, e.g. by displaying images usinga display device, such as a monitor.

Ultrasound imaging can offer a wealth of clinical information.Specifically, ultrasound imaging can be used in abdominal ultrasound (tovisualize abdominal tissues and organs), bone sonometry (to assess bonefragility), breast ultrasound (to visualize breast tissue), Dopplerfetal heart rate monitors (to listen to a fetal heart beat), Dopplerultrasound (to visualize blood flow through a blood vessel, organs, orother structures), echocardiogram (to view a heart), fetal ultrasound(to view a fetus in pregnancy), ultrasound-guided biopsies (to collect asample of tissue), ophthalmic ultrasound (to visualize ocularstructures) and ultrasound-guided needle placement (in blood vessels orother tissues of interest). Ultrasound imaging has also been used indescribing various disease states, such as diseases of the liver,breast, prostate, thyroid or other organs through single measurements ofstiffness or shear wave velocity.

Typically ultrasound systems include a main processing console and anultrasound transducer. The ultrasound transducer is positioned away fromthe main console and actively controlled by an operator in gatheringultrasound image data. In turn, an operator has to be able to control anumber of functions away from the main system console. In the past thiswas accomplished via a foot pedal or having an assistant present tooperate the main system console separately from the operator. However,the use of foot pedals is awkward and can lead to difficulties incontrolling or inabilities to control the main system console. Further,the use of separate assistants can present additional challenges incontrolling the main system console, e.g. the need for effectivecommunication skills and an increased potential from errors created byunskilled assistants.

Additionally, in many ultrasound imaging scenarios, an operator needstwo hands to operation an ultrasound transducer. This requires theoperator to dedicate their full attention to operating the ultrasoundtransducer. In turn, this makes foot pedals of the use of assistants tocontrol a main system console nearly impossible, as the focus of theoperator is to both of their hands and manipulating the ultrasoundtransducer. In particular, this is important for interventionalprocedures where operators have to biopsy or aspirate an area of tissue.

There therefore exist needs for systems and methods that allow anoperator to remotely control a main system console of an ultrasoundsystem. Specifically, there exists a need for systems and methods forallowing an operator to remotely control a main system console of anultrasound system while the operator manipulates an ultrasoundtransducer of the ultrasound system. More specifically, there exists aneed for systems and methods that are integrated along with anultrasound transducer to allow an operator to control a main processingconsole of an ultrasound system while the operator manipulates theultrasound transducer. Further, there exists a need for systems andmethods for allowing an operator to remotely control a main processingconsole of existing ultrasound systems without having to purchase anentire new ultrasound system.

SUMMARY

According to various embodiments, an ultrasound remote controller isconfigured to remotely control a main processing console of anultrasound system. The ultrasound remote controller can include a userinterface controller. The user interface controller can be configured toprovide one or more ultrasound control functions to a user remote fromthe main processing console of the ultrasound system including anultrasound transducer. The one or more ultrasound control functions canbe used to remotely control operation of the main processing console.Further, the user interface controller can be configured to receiveinput for the one or more ultrasound control functions from the user forremotely controlling the operation of the main processing console. Theultrasound remote controller can include a communication interface. Thecommunication interface can be configured to transmit operationalinstructions to the main processing console for remotely controlling theoperation of the main processing console through the ultrasound remotecontroller based on the input for the one or more ultrasound controlfunctions received by the user interface controller.

In various embodiments, one or more ultrasound control functions areprovided to a user through an ultrasound remote controller remote from amain processing console of an ultrasound system including an ultrasoundtransducer. The one or more ultrasound control functions can be used toremotely control operation of the main processing console. Further,input from the user is received at the ultrasound remote controller forthe one or more ultrasound control functions to remotely control theoperation of the main processing console. Additionally, operationalinstructions can be transmitted to the main processing console forremotely controlling the operation of the ultrasound system through theultrasound remote controller. The operational instructions can begenerated based on or otherwise include the input for the one or moreultrasound control functions received at the ultrasound remotecontroller.

In certain embodiments, an ultrasound remote controller is physicallysecured to an ultrasound transducer of an ultrasound system including amain processing console. Geometric data of the ultrasound remotecontroller can be identified. The geometric data of the ultrasoundremote controller can include one or a combination of a motion, aposition, and an orientation of the ultrasound remote controller.Further, the geometric data of the ultrasound remote controller can becalibrated based on design properties of the ultrasound transducer toidentify geometric data of the ultrasound transducer. The geometric dataof the ultrasound transducer can be transmitted as part of operationalinstructions to the main processing console for remotely controllingoperation of the main processing console through the ultrasound remotecontroller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an ultrasound system.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example system for remotely controlling a mainprocessing console of an ultrasound system.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example ultrasound remote controller.

FIG. 4 illustrates a system for physically affixing an ultrasound remotecontroller to an ultrasound transducer.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an example method of remotely controlling anultrasound system through an ultrasound remote controller.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of another example method of remotely controllingan ultrasound system through an ultrasound remote controller.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to various embodiments, an ultrasound remote controller isconfigured to remotely control a main processing console of anultrasound system. The ultrasound remote controller can include a userinterface controller. The user interface controller can be configured toprovide one or more ultrasound control functions to a user remote fromthe main processing console of the ultrasound system including anultrasound transducer. The one or more ultrasound control functions canbe used to remotely control operation of the main processing console.Further, the user interface controller can be configured to receiveinput for the one or more ultrasound control functions from the user forremotely controlling the operation of the main processing console. Theultrasound remote controller can include a communication interface. Thecommunication interface can be configured to transmit operationalinstructions to the main processing console for remotely controlling theoperation of the main processing console through the ultrasound remotecontroller based on the input for the one or more ultrasound controlfunctions received by the user interface controller.

In various embodiments, one or more ultrasound control functions areprovided to a user through an ultrasound remote controller remote from amain processing console of an ultrasound system including an ultrasoundtransducer. The one or more ultrasound control functions can be used toremotely control operation of the main processing console. Further,input from the user is received at the ultrasound remote controller forthe one or more ultrasound control functions to remotely control theoperation of the main processing console. Additionally, operationalinstructions can be transmitted to the main processing console forremotely controlling the operation of the ultrasound system through theultrasound remote controller. The operational instructions can begenerated based on, or otherwise include, the input for the one or moreultrasound control functions received at the ultrasound remotecontroller.

In certain embodiments, an ultrasound remote controller is physicallysecured to an ultrasound transducer of an ultrasound system including amain processing console. Geometric data of the ultrasound remotecontroller can be identified. The geometric data of the ultrasoundremote controller can include one or a combination of a motion, aposition, and an orientation of the ultrasound remote controller.Further, the geometric data of the ultrasound remote controller can becalibrated based on design properties of the ultrasound transducer toidentify geometric data of the ultrasound transducer. The geometric dataof the ultrasound transducer can be transmitted as part of operationalinstructions to the main processing console for remotely controllingoperation of the main processing console through the ultrasound remotecontroller.

Some of the infrastructure that can be used with embodiments disclosedherein is already available, such as general-purpose computers,antennas, computer programming tools and techniques, digital storagemedia, and communications networks. A computing device may include aprocessor such as a microprocessor, microcontroller, logic circuitry, orthe like. The processor may include a special purpose processing devicesuch as an ASIC, PAL, PLA, PLD, FPGA, or other customized orprogrammable device. The computing device may also include acomputer-readable storage device such as non-volatile memory, staticRAM, dynamic RAM, ROM, CD-ROM, disk, tape, magnetic, optical, flashmemory, or other computer-readable storage medium.

Various aspects of certain embodiments may be implemented usinghardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. As used herein,a software module or component may include any type of computerinstruction or computer executable code located within or on acomputer-readable storage medium. A software module may, for instance,comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computerinstructions, which may be organized as a routine, program, object,component, data structure, etc., that performs one or more tasks orimplements particular abstract data types.

In certain embodiments, a particular software module may comprisedisparate instructions stored in different locations of acomputer-readable storage medium, which together implement the describedfunctionality of the module. Indeed, a module may comprise a singleinstruction or many instructions, and may be distributed over severaldifferent code segments, among different programs, and across severalcomputer-readable storage media. Some embodiments may be practiced in adistributed computing environment where tasks are performed by a remoteprocessing device linked through a communications network.

The embodiments of the disclosure will be best understood by referenceto the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numeralsthroughout. The components of the disclosed embodiments, as generallydescribed and illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged anddesigned in a wide variety of different configurations. Furthermore, thefeatures, structures, and operations associated with one embodiment maybe applicable to or combined with the features, structures, oroperations described in conjunction with another embodiment. In otherinstances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shownor described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of this disclosure.

Thus, the following detailed description of the embodiments of thesystems and methods of the disclosure is not intended to limit the scopeof the disclosure, as claimed, but is merely representative of possibleembodiments. In addition, the steps of a method do not necessarily needto be executed in any specific order, or even sequentially, nor need thesteps be executed only once.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an ultrasound system 100. Theultrasound system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example system and invarious embodiments, the ultrasound system 100 can have less componentsor additional components. Specifically, the ultrasound system 100includes is an ultrasound system where the receive array focusing unitis referred to as a beam former 102, and image formation can beperformed on a scanline-by-scanline basis. System control can becentered in the master controller 104, which accepts operator inputsthrough an operator interface and in turn controls the varioussubsystems. For each scan line, the transmitter 106 generates aradio-frequency (RF) excitation voltage pulse waveform and applies itwith appropriate timing across the transmit aperture (defined by asub-array of active elements) to generate a focused acoustic beam alongthe scan line. RF echoes received by the receive aperture 108 of thetransducer 110 are amplified and filtered by the receiver 108, and thenfed into the beam former 102, whose function is to perform dynamicreceive focusing; i.e., to re-align the RF signals that originate fromthe same locations along various scan lines.

The image processor 112 can perform processing specific to activeimaging mode(s) including 2D scan conversion that transforms the imagedata from an acoustic line grid to an X-Y pixel image for display. ForSpectral Doppler mode, the image processor 112 can perform wallfiltering followed by spectral analysis of Doppler-shifted signalsamples using typically a sliding FFT-window. The image processor 112can also generate the stereo audio signal output corresponding toforward and reverse flow signals. In cooperation with the mastercontroller 104, the image processor 112 also can format images from twoor more active imaging modes, including display annotation, graphicsoverlays and replay of cine loops and recorded timeline data.

The cine buffer 114 provides resident digital image storage for singleimage or multiple image loop review, and acts as a buffer for transferof images to digital archival devices. On most systems, the video imagesat the end of the data processing path can be stored to the cine memory.In state-of-the-art systems, amplitude-detected, beam formed data mayalso be stored in cine memory 114. For spectral Doppler, wall-filtered,baseband Doppler 1/Q data for a user-selected range gate can be storedin cine memory 114. Subsequently, the display 11 can display ultrasoundimages created by the image processor 112 and/or images using datastored in the cine memory 114.

The beam former 102, the master controller 104, the image processor, thecine memory 114, and the display can be included as part of a mainprocessing console 118 of the ultrasound system 100. In variousembodiments, the main processing console 118 can include more or fewercomponents or subsystems. The ultrasound transducer 110 can beincorporated in an apparatus that is separate from the man processingconsole 118, in a separate apparatus that is wired or wirelesslyconnected to the main processing console 118. This allows for easiermanipulation of the ultrasound transducer 110 when performing specificultrasound procedures on a patient.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example system 200 for remotely controlling a mainprocessing console of an ultrasound system. The main processing consolecan be an applicable main processing console for processing ultrasoundimage data in an ultrasound system, such as the main processing console118 show in the example system 100 in FIG. 1 . The system 200 is shownwith respect to scanning of a breast. Specifically, the system 200includes a linear transducer/ultrasound transducer 202 with respect to abreast for purposes of scanning the breast is shown in FIG. 2 . A sketchof the anatomy of a breast is shown in 204. The linear transducer 202 isin contact with the breast in the upper left region of the right breast.This position is self-annotated in the body marker image of the rightbreast, 206, with the linear transducer position/orientation indicator,208.

The example system 200 shown in FIG. 2 includes an ultrasound remotecontroller 210. The ultrasound remote controller 210 functions toprovide an operator of an ultrasound system, e.g. the ultrasound system100 in FIG. 1 , with functionalities for remotely controlling a mainprocessing console of the ultrasound system. Specifically, theultrasound remote controller 210 can be used by an operator to remotelycontrol a main processing console of an ultrasound system when the useris away from the main processing console, e.g. manipulating theultrasonic transducer 202. In turn, this can allow the operator to focusmore completely on manipulating the ultrasonic transducer 202 ingathering ultrasonic image data, while still controlling processing ofthe ultrasonic image data. Accordingly, the need for an operator to relyon complex foot pedal controls or separate assistants can be reduced orotherwise eliminated. This can increase the ease by which an operatorcan conduct an ultrasound procedure and potentially reduce a number ofpeople that are needed to perform the procedure.

In providing an operator of an ultrasound system with functionalitiesfor remotely controlling a main processing console of an ultrasoundsystem, the ultrasound remote controller 210 can provide ultrasoundcontrol functions to the operator. More specifically, the ultrasoundremote controller 210 can provide an operator with control functions forcontrolling a main processing console of an ultrasound system through auser interface controller, e.g. a user interface. A user interfacecontroller can include either or both display and applicable productionmechanisms for producing available functionalities for remotelycontrolling a main processing console of an ultrasound system.Specifically, a user interface controller can include mechanisms forproducing available functionalities for remotely controlling a mainprocessing console in a manner that is perceivable by an operator. Forexample, a user interface can include a display for presenting visualannotations of available ultrasound control functions to an operator. Inanother example, a user interface can include a haptic device forproducing haptic feedback for corresponding available ultrasound controlfunctions.

A display included in a user interface controller of the ultrasoundremote controller 210 can include an organic light emitting diode(herein “OLED”) based display. Further, a display included in a userinterface controller of the ultrasound remote controller 210 can includea light emitting diode (herein “LED”) based display. Additionally, adisplay included in a user interface controller of the ultrasound remotecontroller 210 can be a liquid-crystal display (herein “LCD”) includingliquid crystals and a backlight or reflector to visually presentavailable functionalities for remotely controlling a main processingconsole.

Ultrasound control functions include applicable functionalities forcontrolling a main processing console of an ultrasound system, e.g.remote from the main processing console of the ultrasound system.Specifically ultrasound control functions can include applicablefunctions that a user can provide input for to control a main processingconsole in gathering, processing, and reproducing ultrasound images aspart of an ultrasound procedure.

An ultrasound control function can include a freeze control function.For example, an ultrasound control function can include a control forfreezing a display at a specific ultrasound image. Additionally, anultrasound control function can include a depth control function forchanging a depth of field or focus for gathering ultrasound image data.Further, an ultrasound control function can include a gain control foradjusting amplification of received/reflected signals for ultrasoundimages. An ultrasound control function can also include a storagecontrol for controlling how data of ultrasound image data is stored andsubsequently processed to reproduce ultrasound images. Further, anultrasound control function can include an auto-optimization control forenabling automatic optimization of either or both a gain and an overallcontrast in an ultrasound image. Additionally, an ultrasound controlfunction can include a set reference control for specifying andselecting a reference frame for ultrasound imaging. An ultrasoundcontrol function can also include a start clip control to controlcreation of an ultrasound clip. Further, an ultrasound control functioncan include a change mode control for controlling an image mode used togather and process ultrasound images in an ultrasound procedure.Additionally, an ultrasound control function can include a move regionof interest control that is used to adjust a region of interest in amedium scanned during an ultrasound procedure. An ultrasound controlfunction can also include a biopsy guide control for adjustingpresentation of a biopsy guide in an ultrasound procedure. Further, anultrasound control function can include a body marker select control forselecting a body marker image used in an ultrasound procedure.

The user interface controller of the ultrasound remote controller 210can dynamically select ultrasound control functions to provide to anoperator and subsequently provide the dynamically selected ultrasoundcontrol functions to the operator. For example, the user interfacecontroller can dynamically determine to begin providing anauto-optimization control to an operator during a procedure, andsubsequently begin providing the auto-optimization control to theoperator during the procedure. In another example, the user interfacecontroller can dynamically determine to stop providing a start clipcontrol to an operator during a procedure, and subsequently stopproviding the start clip control to the operator during the procedure.

In various embodiments, the user interface controller of the ultrasoundremote controller 210 can dynamically select ultrasound controlfunctions to provide to an operator based on a context of an ultrasoundprocedure. More specifically, the user interface controller candynamically select ultrasound control functions to provide to anoperator based on a context of one or a combination of a past procedureperformed by the operator, a procedure being performed by the operator,or a future procedure that will be performed by the operator. A contextof an ultrasound procedure can include circumstances or characteristicsof an ultrasound procedure. For example, a context of an ultrasoundprocedure can include whether the ultrasound procedure is a biopsyprocedure. Further in the example, based on the context that theultrasound procedure if a biopsy procedure, the user interfacecontroller can provide a biopsy guide control to an operator during theultrasound procedure.

Associations of specific ultrasound control functions and specificultrasound procedure contexts can be used by the user interfacecontroller of the ultrasound remote controller 210 to provide ultrasoundcontrol functions based on specific contexts. For example, if a startclip control functions is associated with an ultrasound fetal imagingprocedure, then a user interface controller can provide the start clipcontrol function when a fetal imaging procedure is performed accordingto the association of the function with fetal imaging. Associations ofspecific ultrasound control functions and specific ultrasound procedurecontexts can be pre-programmed into the ultrasound remote controller210, e.g. before operation of the ultrasound remote controller 210.Further, associations of specific ultrasound control functions andspecific ultrasound procedure contexts can be transmitted to theultrasound remote controller 210, e.g. wirelessly transmitted to thecontroller 210 during operation of the ultrasound remote controller 210.

The ultrasound remote controller 210 can receive input for controlling amain processing console of an ultrasound controller from an operator.Specifically, the ultrasound remote controller 210 can receive input forone or more ultrasound control functions for controlling a mainprocessing console of an ultrasound system through a user interfacecontroller, e.g. a user interface. Input for one or more ultrasoundcontrol functions for controlling a main processing console of anultrasound system can include values of one or more variables ofcorresponding ultrasound control functions. For example, input for oneor more ultrasound control functions can include a gain value foradjusting amplification of received/reflected signals for ultrasoundimages, as part of a gain control.

A user interface controller of the ultrasound remote controller 210 caninclude applicable controls for generating and receiving input by anoperator for remotely controlling a main processing console of anultrasound system. For example, the user interface controller caninclude a touch-based display through which an operator can providetouch-based input for remotely controlling a main processing console ofan ultrasound system. In another example, the user interface controllercan include a camera or other motion detection sensor through which anoperator can provide gesture-based input for remotely controlling a mainprocessing console of an ultrasound system.

Further, a user interface controller of the ultrasound remote controller210 can include one or more physical buttons and sliders capable ofbeing physically manipulated by an operator to generate input forremotely controlling a main processing console of an ultrasound system.Physical buttons and sliders can be associated with or otherwise used toprovide input for specific ultrasound control functions. For example, abutton included as part of the user interface controller can be used tocontrol a body marker control function. Specific ultrasound controlfunctions associated with specific physical buttons and sliders canchange dynamically, e.g. based on what ultrasound control functions areprovided to an operator. For example, a button in a user interfacecontroller of the ultrasound remote controller 210 can be used as abiopsy guide controller during a biopsy ultrasound procedure. Further inthe example, the same button can be used as a set reference controlduring a different ultrasound procedure.

A user interface controller of the ultrasound remote controller 210 canreceive input for remotely controlling a main processing console basedon haptic feedback. Specifically, a user interface controller of theultrasound remote controller 210 can receive input for one or moreultrasound control functions in response to presenting the controlfunctions to an operator through haptic feedback. For example, theultrasound remote controller 210 can shake to signify to an operatorthat a new ultrasound control function is available to the operator.Subsequently, the user interface controller can receive input for thenew ultrasound control feedback in response to the haptic feedbackprovided to the operator.

Further, a user interface controller of the ultrasound remote controller210 can receive input for remotely controlling a main processing consolebased on visual annotations. Specifically, a user interface controllerof the ultrasound remote controller 210 can receive input based on anoperator's interaction with visual annotations of one or more ultrasoundcontrol functions. For example, an operator can interact with a visualannotation of a set reference control to indicate a frame as a referenceframe. Subsequently, the user interface controller can receive inputindicating the frame is the reference frame based on the operatorinteracting with the visual annotation of the set reference control.

A user interface controller of the ultrasound remote controller 210 cangenerate operational instructions for remotely controlling a mainprocessing console of an ultrasound system. Operational instructions caninclude instructions detailing how a main processing console of anultrasound system should operate in gathering ultrasound image data,processing ultrasound image data, and displaying ultrasound image data.For example, operational instructions can instruct to adjust a depth offield focus for gathering ultrasound image data. The user interfacecontroller can generate operational instructions based on input forultrasound control functions received by the user interface controller.Specifically, the user interface controller can generate operationalinstructions specifying to operate the main processing console accordingto specific commands represented in input received from an operator.Further, the user interface controller can generate operationalinstructions by actually including input received for ultrasound controlfunctions in the operational instructions.

The ultrasound remote controller 210 can include a communicationinterface configured to provide the operational instructions to a mainprocessing console of an ultrasound system for controlling theultrasound system. Specifically, the communication interface of theultrasound remote controller 210 can provide operational instructions toa main processing console of an ultrasound system in order to remotelycontrol the ultrasound system. For example, the communication interfaceof the ultrasound remote controller 210 can provide operationalinstructions to a main processing console of an ultrasound system forpurposes of remotely controlling operation of the main processingconsole. In another example, the communication interface of theultrasound remote controller 210 can provide operational instructions toa main processing console of an ultrasound system for purposes ofremotely controlling operation of an ultrasound transducer of theultrasound system, e.g. through the main processing console.

A communication interface of the ultrasound remote controller 210 cancommunicate with or transmit operational instructions to a mainprocessing console of an ultrasound system according to an applicablecommunication protocol. Specifically, the communication interface of theultrasound remote controller 210 can transmit operational instructionsto the main processing console through a wired connection. For example,a wired connection can be directly formed between the communicationinterface and the main processing console and be used to transmitoperational instructions from the communication interface to the mainprocessing console. Alternatively, a wired connection can be formedbetween the communication interface and the main processing consolethrough an ultrasound transducer. Subsequently, the wired connection canbe used to transmit operational instructions from the communicationinterface to the main processing console through the ultrasoundtransducer.

Further, a communication interface of the ultrasound remote controller210 can communicate, at least in part, with a main processing console ofan ultrasound system through a wireless connection. Specifically, thecommunication interface can be configured to communicate through anapplicable wireless communication protocol, e.g. a Bluetooth, ZigBee, or802.11 wireless protocol. For example, the communication interface canbe configured to transmit operational instructions to the mainprocessing console over a Wi-Fi connection.

In communicating over a wireless connection, a communication interfaceof the ultrasound remote controller 210 can receive instructions forprogramming the ultrasound remote controller 210 over the wirelessconnection. Specifically, the communication interface can receiveinstructions for programming a user interface controller over a wirelessconnection, e.g. from the main processing console of the ultrasoundsystem. For example, the communication interface can receiveassociations of ultrasound control functions and contexts of ultrasoundprocedures over a wireless connection which can subsequently be used toprogram a user interface controller to present the ultrasound controlfunctions according to the contexts of the ultrasound procedures.

By communicating over a wireless communication interface, the ultrasoundremote controller 210 can be operated remote from an ultrasoundtransducer. Specifically, an operator can interact with the ultrasoundremote controller 210 while the controller 210 is remote from anultrasound transducer as the operator manipulates the ultrasoundtransducer during an ultrasound procedure. This eliminates the need foran operator to use foot pedals or a separate assistant to control a mainprocessing console during an ultrasound procedure. In turn, this allowsan operator to focus more on manipulating an ultrasound transducerduring an ultrasound procedure.

Alternatively, the ultrasound remote controller 210, as shown in FIG. 2, can be physically coupled or affixed to the ultrasound transducer 202.Specifically, in the system 200 shown in FIG. 2 , the ultrasound remotecontroller 210 is attached to the ultrasound transducer 202 at thejunction between the transducer handle and the cable interconnect sothat it is out of the way from the main grip areas of the transducer. Bybeing affixed to the ultrasound transducer 202, an operator cansimultaneously manipulate the ultrasound transducer 202 and operate theultrasound remote controller 210 to remotely control a main processingconsole of an ultrasound system. Specifically, an operator cansimultaneously operate both the ultrasound transducer 202 and theultrasound remote controller 210 using a single hand or both hands. Thiseliminates the need for an operator to use foot pedals or a separateassistant to control a main processing console during an ultrasoundprocedure. In turn, this allows an operator to focus more onmanipulating an ultrasound transducer during an ultrasound procedure.

The ultrasound remote controller 210 can be affixed to the ultrasoundtransducer 202 through a physical coupler. A physical coupler caninclude an applicable mechanism for physically securing the ultrasoundremote controller 210 to the ultrasound transducer 202. For example, aphysical coupler can include a mechanical fastener or an adhesivematerial. A physical coupler can be configured to removably affix theultrasound remote controller 210 to the ultrasound transducer 202.Specifically, a physically coupler can be configured to physically affixthe ultrasound remote controller 210 to the ultrasound transducer 202and allow the ultrasound remote controller 210 to be detached from theultrasound transducer 202 in a removable manner. This is advantageous asthe ultrasound remote controller 210 can be operated with differentultrasound transducers in different ultrasound procedures. For example,an operator can use the ultrasound remote controller 210 with anultrasound transducer in a first procedure and subsequently detach theultrasound remote controller 210 from the transducer to use theultrasound remote controller 210 in a different procedure using adifferent transducer. Further, in being removably affixed to theultrasound transducer 202, the ultrasound remote controller 210 caneasily be detached for cleaning and sterilization.

A physical coupler used to affix the ultrasound remote controller 210 tothe ultrasound transducer 202 can be integrated as part of theultrasound remote controller 210. Specifically, a physical coupler canbe integrated as part of the ultrasound remote controller 210 tofacilitate affixing of the ultrasound remote controller 210 to differentultrasound transducers. In turn, the ultrasound remote controller 210can be used by a single operator in different procedures or by multipleoperators in different procedures. For example, a physical coupler caninclude an adhesive material or magnetic material included as part ofthe ultrasound remote controller 210 that is used to physically affixthe ultrasound remote controller 210 to different ultrasoundtransducers.

Further, a physical coupler used to affix the ultrasound remotecontroller 210 to the ultrasound transducer 202 can be configured toaffix the ultrasound remote controller 210 to different types ofultrasound transducers irrespective of varying design properties of thedifferent types of transducers. Specifically, a physical coupler can beof a shape and size to allow the ultrasound remote controller 210 to beaffixed to multiple types of ultrasound transducers irrespective oftheir design properties. This can allow the ultrasound remote controller210 to be used with different current ultrasound systems, therebypotentially eliminating a need for operators to purchase new ultrasoundsystems. This is advantageous as a standard for ultrasound transducersdoes not exist across manufactures and ultrasound transducers aremanufactured in different shapes, sizes, and geometries.

Alternatively, a physical coupler used to affix the ultrasound remotecontroller 210 to the ultrasound transducer 202 can be specific toeither or both a transducer type of the ultrasound transducer 202 and amanufacturer of the ultrasound transducer 202. For example, a physicalcoupler can be a clip unique to the ultrasound transducer 202 based on ashape, size, and geometry of the ultrasound transducer 202. Further inthe example, the ultrasound remote controller 210 can be configured toattach to or otherwise couple with different clips unique to differentultrasound transducers. Accordingly, the ultrasound remote controller210 can be compatible with multiple ultrasound transducer types made bydifferent manufacturers.

The ultrasound remote controller 210 can include an electrical couplerfor electrically coupling the ultrasound remote controller 210 to theultrasound transducer 202. An electrical coupler can include a wirelessinterface to wirelessly couple the ultrasound remote controller 210 tothe ultrasound transducer 202 through a wireless electrical connection.Further, an electrical coupler can include a wired interface to couplethe ultrasound remote controller 210 to the ultrasound transducer 202through a wired electrical connection.

An electrical coupler that electrically coupes the ultrasound remotecontroller 210 to the ultrasound transducer 202 can be integrated aspart of a physical coupler used to physically affix the ultrasoundremote controller 210 to the ultrasound transducer 202. Specifically, anelectrical coupler can be formed through electrical contacts thatintegrated in a physical coupler used to affix the ultrasound remotecontroller 210 to the ultrasound transducer 202. More specifically, theelectrical contacts can connect when the ultrasound remote controller210 is affixed to the ultrasound transducer 202, thereby electricallyconnecting the ultrasound remote controller 210 to the ultrasoundtransducer. For example, electrical contacts can be formed through anadhesive patch that is used to affix the ultrasound remote controller210 to the ultrasound transducer 202.

Further, an electrical coupler that electrically couples the ultrasoundremote controller 210 to the ultrasound transducer 202 can be used toprogram the ultrasound remote controller 210. For example, electricalconnections formed through an electrical coupler between the ultrasoundremote controller 210 and the ultrasound transducer 202 can be used totransmit associations of specific ultrasound control functions andspecific ultrasound procedure contexts to the ultrasound remotecontroller 210. Further, as will be discussed in greater detail later,an electrical coupler that electrically couples the ultrasound remotecontroller 210 to the ultrasound transducer 202 can be used to transferpower from the ultrasound transducer 202 to the ultrasound remotecontroller 210. For example, power can be wirelessly transferred fromthe ultrasound transducer 202 to the ultrasound remote controller 210through an electrical coupler formed as part of a physical coupler foraffixing the ultrasound remote controller 210 to the ultrasoundtransducer.

An electrical connection between the ultrasound remote controller 210and the ultrasound transducer 202 can be used to transmit operationalinstructions for purposes of controlling an ultrasound system remotely.Specifically, the ultrasound remote controller 210 can provideoperational instructions to a main processing console of an ultrasoundsystem through an electrical connection formed between the ultrasoundremote controller 210 and the ultrasound transducer 202. Morespecifically, the ultrasound remote controller 210 can transmitoperational instructions to the ultrasound transducer 202 and theoperational instructions can subsequently be transmitted from theultrasound transducer 202 to a main processing console of an ultrasoundsystem.

As will be discussed in greater detail later, the ultrasound remotecontroller 210 can include an inertial motion unit configured toidentify geometric data of the ultrasound remote controller 210.Geometric data, as used herein, can include at least one of a motion, aposition, and an orientation of an object, e.g. the ultrasound remotecontroller 210. As shown in the example system 200 in FIG. 2 , theultrasound remote controller 210 is coupled to the ultrasound transducer202. Therefore geometric data of the ultrasound remote controller 210can correspond to geometric data for the ultrasound transducer 202.Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 2 , using the geometric data of theultrasound remote controller 210 and corresponding geometric data forthe ultrasound transducer 202, the indicator 208 of the ultrasoundtransducer 202 in relation to the breast can be displayed in the bodymarker image 206.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example ultrasound remote controller300. The ultrasound remote controller 300, shown in FIG. 3 , canfunction according to an applicable device for remotely controlling anultrasound system, such as the ultrasound remote controller 210 shown inFIG. 2 . Specifically, the ultrasound remote controller 300, shown inFIG. 3 , can function according to an applicable device for remotelycontrolling a main processing console of an ultrasound system, such asthe ultrasound remote controller 210 shown in FIG. 2 .

The ultrasound remote controller 300 includes a central processing unit302 (herein “CPU 302”). The CPU 302 can be used to perform the basiccomputational requirements of the peripherals either built into the CPU302 or externally connected to the CPU 302. Specifically, the CPU 302can perform the functionalities provided for by the ultrasound remotecontroller 300. For example, the CPU 302 can perform processing fortransmitting operational instructions from the ultrasound remote control300 for controlling a main processing console of an ultrasound system.

The CPU 302 can control or access one or more paths of communicationexternal to the ultrasound remote controller 300. Specifically, the CPU302 can cause the ultrasound remote controller 300 to transmitoperational instructions over the communication paths external to theultrasound remote controller 300 for remotely controlling an ultrasoundsystem. Further, the CPU 302 can receive instructions for programmingthe ultrasound remote controller 300 over the communication pathsexternal to the ultrasound remote controller 300, e.g. as part ofremotely controlling an ultrasound system.

Communication paths accessed by the CPU 302 can be formed through acommunication interface of the ultrasound remote controller 300.Specifically, a communication path can be a wireless communication pathformed through a Bluetooth communication interface 304 formed as part ofa communication interface of the ultrasound remote controller 300. Morespecifically, the Bluetooth communication interface 304 can provide a2-way wireless communication link between an ultrasound system and theultrasound remote controller 300. While the ultrasound remote controller300 is shown to include a Bluetooth communication interface 304, invarious embodiments, the ultrasound remote controller 300 can include awireless communication interface configured to operate according to anapplicable wireless protocol, such as a Wi-Fi protocol.

The ultrasound remote controller 300 can also include an I/O and powerinterface 306 that serves as another communication path for theultrasound remote controller 300. This path can be realized with eithera hard connection or inductively coupled, acoustic, or other non-wiredmanner. The I/O and power interface 306 can be used to receive power forthe ultrasound remote controller 300. Specifically, the I/O and powerinterface 306 can receive power through either or both a wired orwireless manner at the ultrasound remote controller 300. Further the I/Oand power interface 306 can receive data, e.g. programming instructions,through either or both a wired or wireless manner at the ultrasoundremote controller 300. For example, the I/O and power interface 306 canreceive data indicating associated of specific control functions withspecific contexts of ultrasound procedures.

The I/O and power interface 306 can connect to a battery 308 included aspart of the ultrasound remote controller 300 as well as the CPU 302. Theconnection to the battery 308 can allow power received at the I/O andpower interface 306 to charge the battery 308. Further, the connectionto the CPU 306 from the I/O and power interface 306 can be used toprovide instructions to the CPU 306, e.g. software/firmware updates.Additionally, the connection to the CPU 306 from the I/O and powerinterface 306 can be used to interrogate the overall status of theultrasound remote controller 300.

In the example ultrasound remote controller 300 shown in FIG. 3 , thebattery 308 is connected to a power supplies & battery fuel gage/charger310. The power supplies & battery fuel gage/charger 310 can monitor theoverall charge level of the battery 308. Further, the power supplies &battery fuel gage/charger 310 can control charging of the battery 308,e.g. through power received at the I/O and power interface 306. Thepower supplies & battery fuel gage/charger 310 can also providenecessary power supplies to other components of the ultrasound remotecontroller 300.

The example ultrasound remote controller 300 shown in FIG. 3 includes auser interface 312. The user interface 312 can function according to anapplicable user interface controller, such as the user interfacecontrollers described herein. Specifically, the user interface 312 canprovide ultrasound control functions to an operator for remotelycontrolling an ultrasound system. Further, the user interface 312 canreceive input for ultrasound control functions from an operator forpurposes of remotely controlling an ultrasound system. The userinterface 312 can communicate with the CPU 302 if there are any actionsdesired by an operator of the ultrasound remote controller 300. Forexample, the user interface 312 can provide input for one or moreultrasound control functions/operational instructions generated from theinput for the one or more ultrasound control functions to the CPU 302.In receiving input for one or more ultrasound control functions, theuser interface 312 can be constructed with simple push buttons or anactive display and touch panel.

The example ultrasound remote controller 300 shown in FIG. 3 alsoincludes an inertial motion unit (herein “IMU 314”). The IMU 314 can beconfigured to identify geometric data of the ultrasound remotecontroller 300. Specifically, the IMU can gather geometric data thatincludes one or a combination of motion, position, and orientation ofthe ultrasound remote controller 300. The IMU 314 can include applicablesensors for measuring one or a combination of motion, position, andorientation of the ultrasound remote controller 300. Specifically, theIMU 314 can include an applicable combination of corresponding sensorsto gather geometric data for one to nine degrees of freedom at theultrasound remote controller 300. For example, the IMU 314 can includethree sensors to gather geometric data for three degrees of freedom atthe ultrasound remote controller 300, six sensors to gather geometricdata for six degrees of freedom at the ultrasound remote controller 300,or nine sensors to gather geometric data for nine degrees of freedom atthe ultrasound remote controller 300.

Geometric data gathered by the IMU 314 can be transmitted by theBluetooth communication 304, or an applicable communication interface,to a main processing console of an ultrasound system, e.g. as part ofoperational instructions. In turn, the main processing console can usethe geometric data to process image data, gather image data, and presentimages as part of remotely controlling the main processing consolethrough the ultrasound remote controller 300. For example, geometricinformation from the IMU 314 can be used by the ultrasound system tokeep track of the relative position of the ultrasound remote controller300. Further in the example, the geometric information can be used todisplay a position of the ultrasound remote controller 300 in a bodymarker image.

In various embodiments, geometric data of the ultrasound remotecontroller 300 can correspond to geometric data of an ultrasoundtransducer. In particular, when the ultrasound remote controller 300 isaffixed to an ultrasound transducer, geometric data of the ultrasoundremote controller 300 can correspond to geometric data of the ultrasoundtransducer, e.g. a position of the ultrasound transducer. For example,the ultrasound remote controller 300 can be affixed above an ultrasoundtransducer, and a position of the ultrasound remote controller 300 withrespect to a patient can be a position of the ultrasound transducer withrespect to the patient. In turn, the corresponding geometric data of theultrasound transducer, as determined based on geometric data of theultrasound remote controller 300, can be used to remotely controloperation of a main processing console of an ultrasound using theultrasound remote controller 300. Specifically, geometric data of anultrasound transducer, e.g. a tracked position of the ultrasoundtransducer, can be sent to a main processing console of an ultrasoundsystem, e.g. by a communication interface. Subsequently, the geometricdata of the ultrasound transducer can be used to control operation ofthe main processing console.

The ultrasound remote controller 300, e.g. either or both the IMU 314and the CPU 302, can identify geometric data of an ultrasound transducerbased on geometric data of the ultrasound remote controller 300.Specifically, the ultrasound remote controller 300 can identifygeometric data of an ultrasound transducer based on geometric data ofthe ultrasound remote controller 300 when the ultrasound remotecontroller 300 is affixed to the ultrasound transducer. For example, theultrasound remote controller 300 can identify an ultrasound transduceris tilted at 45° when geometric data of the ultrasound remote controller300 affixed to the ultrasound transducer indicates the ultrasound remotecontroller 300 is tilted at 45°.

Further, the ultrasound remote controller 300 can identify geometricdata of an ultrasound transducer using geometric data of the ultrasoundremote controller 300 based on design properties of the ultrasoundtransducer. Design properties of an ultrasound transducer can include ashape, a size, and other applicable design properties of the ultrasoundtransducer. For example, if an ultrasound transducer is two inches inheight, then the ultrasound remote controller 300 can identify aposition of the ultrasound transducer as two inches below a position ofthe ultrasound remote controller 300 affixed to the ultrasoundtransducer. As discussed previously, geometric data of an ultrasoundtransducer can be used to set a transducer location on a body markerimage prior to saving the image.

The ultrasound remote controller 300 can identify design properties ofan ultrasonic transducer, e.g. for purposes of identifying geometricdata of the ultrasonic transducer, based on a received unique identifierof the transducer. For example, the ultrasound remote controller 300 canidentify design properties of an ultrasonic transducer from a uniqueidentifier indicating the type of transducer of the ultrasonictransducer. Subsequently, the ultrasound remote controller 300 can usethe design properties to calibrate the ultrasound remote controller 300with the ultrasound transducer for purposes of identifying geometricdata of the ultrasound transducer.

A unique identifier of an ultrasound transducer can be received by theultrasound remote controller 300 from an ultrasound transducer throughan electrical connection formed by an electrical coupler between theultrasound remote controller 300 and the ultrasound transducer.Specifically, a unique identifier of an ultrasound transducer can betransmitted to the ultrasound remote controller 300 through a selectivegrounding scheme at the ultrasound remote controller 300 where externalinput and output lines are pulled low to provide a known code of theunique identifier to the ultrasound remote controller, e.g. through anultrasound transducer. The unique identifier can then be used tocalibrate geometric data of the ultrasound remote controller 300 withrespect to an ultrasound transducer in order to identify geometric dataof the ultrasound remote controller 300.

The ultrasound remote controller 300 also includes a memory 316 forstoring either or both program as well as runtime workspace items. Thememory 316 can include both volatile and non-volatile memory. Datastored in the memory can include backgrounds for the user interface 312,drivers for peripherals, general program, use log and the like. It isunderstood that as integration of the ultrasound remote controller 300improves over time to incorporate more of a system on chip manner that anumber if not all of the external peripherals depicted FIG. 3 can beintegrated directly into the CPU 302.

FIG. 4 illustrates a system 400 for physically affixing an ultrasoundremote controller to an ultrasound transducer 402. The system 400 can beused to affix an applicable ultrasound remote controller, such as theultrasound remote controllers described herein, to the ultrasoundtransducer 402. In particular, the system 400 can be used to affix anultrasound remote controller to the ultrasound transducer 402 forpurposes of remotely controlling a main processing console of anultrasound system including the ultrasound transducer 402.

The transducer 402 includes a physical coupler for physically affixingan ultrasound remote controller to the transducer 402. Specifically, theultrasound transducer 402 has an adhesive orientation device/connectiondevice 404 attached to the proximal area of the linear transducer 402.This connection device 404 is intended to not only just provide a placefor an ultrasound remote controller to attach to the transducer 402 butscan also ensure consistent placement of the ultrasound remotecontroller. Additionally, the connection device 404 can supportelectrical connections/communications with an ultrasound remotecontroller. Further, the connection device 404 can be used to transmitan indication of a transducer type of the transducer 402. In turn, basicgeometry and transducer design parameters can be automaticallyidentified from the indication of the transducer type without the needfor a user to perform a separate setup step, e.g. for purposes ofcalibrating an ultrasound remote controller with the transducer 402.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart 500 of an example method of remotely controllingan ultrasound system through an ultrasound remote controller. Theexample method shown in FIG. 5 can be performed by an applicableultrasound remote controller, such as the example ultrasound remotecontrollers shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 .

At step 502, one or more ultrasound control functions are provided to auser through an ultrasound remote controller that is remote from a mainprocessing console of an ultrasound system. The one or more ultrasoundcontrol functions can be provided to a user through an applicable userinterface, such as a user interface controller described with respect toFIG. 2 or the user interface 312 described with respect to FIG. 3 .Further, the one or more ultrasound control functions can be provided toa user through the ultrasound remote controller when either theultrasound remote controller is affixed to an ultrasound transducer ofthe ultrasound system or when the ultrasound remote controller isseparate from the ultrasound transducer of the ultrasound system.

At step 504, input is received from the user at the ultrasound remotecontroller for the one or more ultrasound control functions provided tothe user. Specifically, the input can be received from the user at theuser interface/user interface controller. More specifically, the inputcan be received from the user based on the user's interactions with oneor a combination of a touch-based display, a camera or sensor, physicalbuttons, and physical sliders at the user interface/user interfacecontroller. For example, the input can be received based on the user'sinteractions with visual annotations of the ultrasound control functionspresented to the user through a touch-based display.

At step 506, operational instructions are transmitted from theultrasound remote controller to the main processing console of theultrasound system for remotely controlling operation of ultrasoundsystem based on the input for the one or more ultrasound controlfunctions. Specifically, operational instructions can be generated bythe user interface/user interface controller based on the received inputand subsequently transmitted through a communication interface at theultrasound remote controller to the main processing console of theultrasound system. The operational instructions can be transmitted overa wireless connection from the ultrasound remote controller to the mainprocessing console of the ultrasound system. Alternatively, theoperational instructions can be transmitted over a wired connection,e.g. through an ultrasound transducer, from the ultrasound remotecontroller to the main processing console of the ultrasound system.Subsequently, the main processing console can operate according to theoperational instructions as part of remotely controlling operation ofthe ultrasound system using the ultrasound remote controller.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart 600 of another example method of remotelycontrolling an ultrasound system through an ultrasound remotecontroller. The example method shown in FIG. 6 can be performed by anapplicable ultrasound remote controller, such as the example ultrasoundremote controllers shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 .

At step 602, an ultrasound remote controller is physically secured to anultrasound transducer of an ultrasound system to remotely control theultrasound system. The ultrasound remote controller can be physicallysecured to an ultrasound transducer of the ultrasound system using anapplicable coupling mechanism such as the physical couplers describedherein. Further, in being physically secured to an ultrasound transducerof the ultrasound system, the ultrasound remote controller can beelectrically coupled to the ultrasound transducer through one or moreelectrical connections. For example, the ultrasound remote controllercan be electrically coupled to the ultrasound transducer through one ormore electrical connections formed through a physical coupler used toaffix the ultrasound remote control to the ultrasound transducer.

At step 604, geometric data of the ultrasound remote controller isidentified at the ultrasound remote controller. An applicable mechanismfor identifying geometric data of the ultrasound remote controller atthe ultrasound remote controller, such as the IMU 314 can identifygeometric data for the ultrasound remote controller. Geometric data ofthe ultrasound remote controller, can include one or a combination of amotion, a position, and an orientation of the ultrasound remotecontroller.

At step 606, the geometric data of the ultrasound remote controller iscalibrated based on design properties of the ultrasound transducer toidentify geometric data of the ultrasound transducer. Specifically, theultrasound remote controller can identify one or a combination of amotion, a position, and an orientation of the ultrasound remotecontroller based on design properties of the ultrasound remotecontroller and geometric data of the ultrasound remote controller. Theultrasound remote controller can identify design properties of theultrasound remote controller based on a unique identifier indicating atransducer type of the ultrasound transducer. Specifically, theultrasound remote controller can store a list of design properties ofvarious types of ultrasound transducers. Then, based on the transducertype of the ultrasound transducer, the ultrasound remote controller canquery the list of design properties of the various ultrasoundtransducers to identify the design properties of the ultrasoundtransducer.

At step 608, operating instructions including the geometric data of theultrasound transducer are transmitted to the main processing console forremotely controlling operation of the main processing console throughthe ultrasound remote controller. For example, the geometric data of theultrasound transducer can be used to show a position of the ultrasoundtransducer in a body marker image. The operating instructions, includingthe geometric data, can be wirelessly transmitted to the main processingconsole from the ultrasound remote controller over a wirelesscommunication channel. Further, the operations instructions, includingthe geometric data, can be transmitted to the main processing consolefrom the ultrasound remote controller through the ultrasound transducer.

While the disclosure has been made only with reference to ultrasoundsystems, the systems and methods for remotely controlling ultrasoundsystems described herein can be used in conjunction with otherapplicable medical system. For example, the systems and methodsdescribed herein can be used for remote control of biopsy systems,laparoscopic tools, and ablation devices.

This disclosure has been made with reference to various exemplaryembodiments including the best mode. However, those skilled in the artwill recognize that changes and modifications may be made to theexemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure. For example, various operational steps, as well ascomponents for carrying out operational steps, may be implemented inalternate ways depending upon the particular application or inconsideration of any number of cost functions associated with theoperation of the system, e.g., one or more of the steps may be deleted,modified, or combined with other steps.

While the principles of this disclosure have been shown in variousembodiments, many modifications of structure, arrangements, proportions,elements, materials, and components, which are particularly adapted fora specific environment and operating requirements, may be used withoutdeparting from the principles and scope of this disclosure. These andother changes or modifications are intended to be included within thescope of the present disclosure.

The foregoing specification has been described with reference to variousembodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciatethat various modifications and changes can be made without departingfrom the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, this disclosureis to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense,and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scopethereof. Likewise, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problemshave been described above with regard to various embodiments. However,benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that maycause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become morepronounced are not to be construed as a critical, a required, or anessential feature or element. As used herein, the terms “comprises,”“comprising,” and any other variation thereof, are intended to cover anon-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, a method, an article, oran apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include onlythose elements but may include other elements not expressly listed orinherent to such process, method, system, article, or apparatus. Also,as used herein, the terms “coupled,” “coupling,” and any other variationthereof are intended to cover a physical connection, an electricalconnection, a magnetic connection, an optical connection, acommunicative connection, a functional connection, and/or any otherconnection.

Those having skill in the art will appreciate that many changes may bemade to the details of the above-described embodiments without departingfrom the underlying principles of the invention. The scope of thepresent invention should, therefore, be determined only by the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An ultrasound remote controller for an ultrasoundsystem including a main processing console and a plurality of ultrasoundtransducers, the ultrasound remote controller being attachable to, anddetachable from, each of the plurality of ultrasound transducers toallow a user to remotely control the main processing console from adistance, the ultrasound remote controller comprising: a user interfacecontroller configured to provide one or more ultrasound controlfunctions and receive input for the one or more ultrasound controlfunctions from the user; a communication interface configured totransmit operational instructions to the main processing console forremotely controlling operation of the main processing console throughthe ultrasound remote controller based on the input for the one or moreultrasound control functions received by the user interface controller;and an inertial motion unit to determine geometric data of theultrasound remote controller, the geometric data of the ultrasoundremote controller including one or more of a motion, a position, or anorientation of the ultrasound remote controller, wherein the ultrasoundremote controller: identifies properties of a first ultrasoundtransducer including at least one of a shape, size, or type of the firstultrasound transducer via an identifier received from the firstultrasound transducer and calibrates the geometric data of theultrasound remote controller to identify geometric data of the firstultrasound transducer, the geometric data of the first ultrasoundtransducer including one or more of a motion, a position, or anorientation of the first ultrasound transducer, and sends the geometricdata of the first ultrasound transducer to the main processing console.2. The ultrasound remote controller of claim 1, wherein the operationalinstructions are used to control operation of the main processingconsole as part of remotely controlling operation of the ultrasoundsystem through the ultrasound remote controller.
 3. The ultrasoundremote controller of claim 1, wherein the operational instructions areused to control operation of the first ultrasound transducer as part ofremotely controlling operation of the ultrasound system through theultrasound remote controller.
 4. The ultrasound remote controller ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more ultrasound control functions providedby the user interface controller are changed based on a context of atype of medical procedure performed by the user using the ultrasoundsystem.
 5. The ultrasound remote controller of claim 1, wherein the oneor more ultrasound control functions include at least one of a freezecontrol, a change depth control, a gain control, a storage control, anauto-optimization control, a set reference control, a start clipcontrol, a change mode control, a move region of interest control, abiopsy guide control, and a body marker select control.
 6. Theultrasound remote controller of claim 1, further comprising a camera,wherein the user interface controller is configured to receive the inputas a gesture via the camera.
 7. The ultrasound remote controller ofclaim 1, wherein the user interface controller includes a user displayfor presenting visual annotations of the one or more ultrasound controlfunctions to the user, and the input for the one or more ultrasoundcontrol functions is received from the user based on the userinterpreting the visual annotations of the one or more ultrasoundcontrol functions.
 8. The ultrasound remote controller of claim 1,wherein the user interface controller is configured to provide hapticfeedback to the user based on user interaction with the user interfacecontroller, and the input for the one or more ultrasound controlfunctions is received from the user based on the user interpreting thehaptic feedback.
 9. The ultrasound remote controller of claim 1, whereinthe communication interface is a wireless communication interface andthe communication interface is further configured to transmit theoperational instructions to the main processing console, at least inpart, over a wireless connection.
 10. The ultrasound remote controllerof claim 1, wherein the ultrasound remote controller is configured toreceive power over a wired connection.
 11. The ultrasound remotecontroller of claim 1, wherein the ultrasound remote controller isconfigured to receive power over a wireless connection.
 12. Theultrasound remote controller of claim 1, further comprising a physicalcoupler configured to physically affix the ultrasound remote controllerto different types of ultrasound transducers, including the firstultrasound transducer, irrespective of varying properties of thedifferent types of ultrasound transducers.
 13. The ultrasound remotecontroller of claim 1, wherein the ultrasound remote controller includesan electronic coupler configured to electrically connect the ultrasoundremote controller to the first ultrasound transducer through one or moreelectrical connections.
 14. The ultrasound remote controller of claim13, wherein the electronic coupler is configured to electrically connectthe ultrasound remote controller to the first ultrasound transducerthrough the one or more electrical connections when the ultrasoundremote controller is physically affixed to the first ultrasoundtransducer through a physical coupler.
 15. The ultrasound remotecontroller of claim 13, wherein the communication interface is furtherconfigured to transmit the operational instructions to the mainprocessing console through the one or more electrical connections andthe first ultrasound transducer.
 16. The ultrasound remote controller ofclaim 1, wherein the inertial motion unit includes one of three or sixsensors to detect one or a combination of the motion, the position, andthe orientation of the ultrasound remote controller.
 17. The ultrasoundremote controller of claim 1, further comprising a memory to store alist of properties associated with various types of ultrasoundtransducers, the properties including one or more of a size or shape ofthe various types of ultrasound transducers, and wherein the ultrasoundremote controller is configured to query the list of properties toidentify one or more properties of the first ultrasound transducer basedon an identified type of first ultrasound transducer and use the list ofproperties to calibrate the geometric data of the ultrasound remotecontroller to identify the geometric data of the first ultrasoundtransducer.
 18. The ultrasound remote controller of claim 1, wherein theuser interface controller provides at least one control that has a firstfunction when the user is performing a first type of medical procedureusing the ultrasound system and a second function when the user isperforming a second type of medical procedure using the ultrasoundsystem.
 19. The ultrasound remote controller of claim 18, wherein theuser interface controller provides at least one control that has a firstfunction when the user is performing a first type of medical procedureusing the ultrasound system and a second function when the user isperforming a second type of medical procedure using the ultrasoundsystem.
 20. The ultrasound remote controller of claim 1, wherein thegeometric data of the first ultrasound transducer is used by the mainprocessing console to automatically annotate an ultrasound image with aposition of the first ultrasound transducer.
 21. An ultrasound imagingsystem comprising: a main processing console; a plurality of ultrasoundtransducers; and an ultrasound remote controller being attachable to,and detachable from, each of the plurality of ultrasound transducers toallow a user to remotely control the main processing console from adistance, the ultrasound remote controller comprising: a user interfacecontroller configured to provide one or more ultrasound controlfunctions and receive input for the one or more ultrasound controlfunctions from the user; a communication interface configured totransmit operational instructions to the main processing console forremotely controlling operation of the main processing console throughthe ultrasound remote controller based on the input for the one or moreultrasound control functions received by the user interface controller;and an inertial motion unit to determine geometric data of theultrasound remote controller, the geometric data of the ultrasoundremote controller including one or more of a motion, a position, or anorientation of the ultrasound remote controller, wherein the ultrasoundremote controller: identifies properties of a first ultrasoundtransducer including at least one of a shape, size, or type of the firstultrasound transducer via an identifier received from the firstultrasound transducer and calibrates the geometric data of theultrasound remote controller to identify geometric data of the firstultrasound transducer, the geometric data of the first ultrasoundtransducer including one or more of a motion, a position, or anorientation of the first ultrasound transducer, and sends the geometricdata of the first ultrasound transducer to the main processing console.